Dangerous to Love Book

Dangerous. Wild. Reckless.

Those were the words that passed through Serna Ward’s mind at the moment Julian Raynor entered the gaming Hall. If anyone could penetrate Serena’s disguise as a tart–and jeopardize the political fugitives she was delivering to freedom–it would surely be London’s most notorious gamester. Yet when the militia storms the establishment in search of traitors, Raynor provides just the pretext Serna needs to escape to an upstairs bedroom. But Serena is playing with fire...and before the night is through she will find herself surrendering to the heat of unsuspected desires.

Seductive. Fiery. Treacherous.

She had used him for her own scheming purposes, then thrown his generous proposition back in his face. Julian Raynor, a man who had ruthlessly enjoyed his share of women, did not much care to have the tables turned on him. And when he discovered that the passionate beauty who had played his wonton prisoner in bed was none other than Serena Ward, the proud daughter of his bitterest enemy, he saw his chance for revenge–not only on the man who had single-handedly destroyed his family but on the woman who haunted his dreams.

Publishers Weekly

When London aristocrat Serena Ward disguises herself as an actress for the Jacobite cause, she does not count on attracting the amorous attention of Julian Raynor, owner of a popular gaming club--and die-hard anti-Jacobite. Their first encounter is a study in mistaken identity and sensuality that results in Serena's downfall. Julian, who blames Serena's father for his family's misfortunes, plans to exact revenge by marrying Serena. Tricked into marriage, Serena finds it difficult to maintain her icy reserve toward Julian, and the attraction she feels for him soon turns to love. In the age-old tradition of love never running smoothly, behind the scenes machinations and treachery ensure that the lovers have much to conquer before they can attain happiness. Thornton, author of six previous historicals, delivers unique plot twists and sharply drawn characters. She uses enforced separation, a genre taboo, to her advantage as she develops conflict. Her knowledge of the Georgian era is evident and lends period flavor to this satisfying read. (July)